EPOKA University, in collaboration with the Department of Business Administration, as part of the Empowering Human Dignity of European Union and Western Balkans Youth Project funded by the European Union, had the honor of hosting esteemed expert Dr. Glevin Dervishi, currently Head of the Department of International Relations and Communication at the Academy of Armed Forces, in the Media Literacy: Engaging Civic Discourse seminar.

In this seminar, students delved into the important role of the media in shaping democratic societies. Emphasizing its power to both enhance and distort reality Dr. Dervishi, underscored the importance of media literacy in navigating today's information landscape. One key focus was the delicate balance between media's autonomy and self-regulation. Highlighting the prevalence of profit-driven motives within media outlets, Dr. Dervishi shed light on the challenges posed by corporate interests in shaping editorial content.

Media literacy, defined as the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create messages across various platforms, took center stage. The importance of engaging with diverse perspectives, including those of opposition media, was emphasized as a cornerstone of informed citizenship.

Furthermore, elections emerged as a crucial testing ground for media integrity, where platforms and candidates are scrutinized. Students were urged to adopt a critical mindset, discerning between genuine discourse and political propaganda.

Drawing on examples like the Albanian media landscape, attendees were urged to question the underlying motives behind media narratives. Instances of conflicts of interest and the misuse of media platforms for governmental propaganda served as cautionary tales.

As the discourse on media's role in society continues to evolve, fostering media literacy remains paramount in cultivating an informed and engaged citizenry.